Saturday Training Rides

The GMBC Saturday (VP) rides are longer rides compared to the evening training rides. Routes vary each week and often have significant climbs. Groups (12 or fewer) form based on estimated average speed. The emphasis is on sharing the road and riding responsibly while getting a good workout on the bike. Specifics for each ride (e.g. start time, weather, parking) are announced through the GMBC email list.

Are these rides for me? These rides are recommended for people with some experience riding in a group. Serious effort (within each individual’s ability) is expected, but these rides are for anyone who likes a good workout and is able to maintain at least a 15 mph average, i.e. non-racers welcome! The riders regroup at a few key points and usually try to avoid leaving anyone behind. If you want a faster, strictly racer/hammerhead ride, consider the Tuesday Evening Training Ride. Another alternative for both fast riders who want a break from climbing App Gap, as well as riders who prefer a more moderate pace and distance are the Touring Rides (usually on Sundays). Touring rides typically become longer and have more climbing as the season progresses.

Start times vary during the year. Riding with front and rear lights is recommended all season.

Disclaimer: Ride at your own risk. GMBC provides guidance on safe group riding and sharing the road, but assumes no liability. It is your responsibility to know and adhere to Vermont laws.

GMBC is volunteer-based and sometimes volunteers cannot make the ride. This may lead to groups not being formed and the lack of regrouping points on the ride. We encourage you to talk before the ride, form groups, talk about safety and have a great ride!

A tour of pretty villages — a 60-mile (M/S) ride across the Canadian border. Bring your passport of the required customer documents. We’ll stop in Mystic for brunch and pass many farms along the way. There is some dirt, about 4 miles total, and a couple of hills.

Looking for a weekly training ride to get the blood pumping? The GMBC Tuesday evening training rides travel through Richmond, Hinesburg, Huntington and Williston mostly on roads with light to mild traffic.

Is this training ride for me? Tuesday’s ride is for racers and/or hammer-heads. If you can maintain 18+ mph for 1.5+ hours, you’ll be fine. There will be areas of pace-line at 25+ mph on flats and regrouping points. Consider the Wednesday night ride if this ride is not to your liking.

Start times vary during the year (because of the sunset)!! Riding with front and rear lights is recommended all season.

Early season (through April): on the road at 5:30 PMor earlier

Prime season (May through August): on the road at 6:00 PM

Late season (September until ??): on the road at 5:30 PM or earlier

Bad weather (current or imminent): most likely cancels ride

Disclaimer: Ride at your own risk. GMBC provides guidance on safe group riding and sharing the road, but assumes no liability. It is your responsibility to know and adhere to Vermont laws.

GMBC is volunteer-based and sometimes volunteers cannot make the ride. This may lead to groups not being formed and the lack of regrouping points on the ride. We encourage you to talk before the ride, form groups, talk about safety and have a great ride!

Where to Start, Park, and Ride

Parking/Start – In the field below the Old Round Church in Richmond (see map). Do not park on the paved road next to the Round Church

Rides vary. Links to some routes are listed below but become familiar with the roads beforehand in case of separation from the group. If you decide to drop out or change your route, let someone know beforehand.

The GMBC Wednesday evening rides start and finish in South Burlington, Wheeler Dirt Lot (see map) and travel through Shelburne and Charlotte. Groups (12 or fewer) form based on estimated average speed. The emphasis is on sharing the road and riding responsibly while getting a good workout on the bike. All groups ride the same route each week; the fastest group starts first. Specifics for each ride (e.g. start time, weather, parking) are announced through the GMBC email list.

Are these rides for me? These rides are recommended for people with some experience riding in a group. Serious effort (within each individual’s ability) is expected, but these rides are for anyone who likes a good workout and is able to maintain at least a 15 mph average, i.e. non-racers welcome! Faster groups are likely to have some individuals driving the pace and they may not regroup. Riders off the pace may drop back and ride with the following group. The last group will usually regroup at a few key points and usually tries to avoid leaving anyone behind. If you want a faster, strictly racer/hammerhead ride, consider the Tuesday Evening Training Ride.

Average speed guidelines:

Group A: average speed 20-22+ mph

Group B: average speed 17-20+ mph

Group C: average speed 15-17 mph with regrouping at key locations

Route: 28.1 mi / 450 ft ascent. Route may be shortened or changed in early and late seasons.

Start times vary during the year (because of the sunset)!! Riding with front and rear lights is recommended all season.

Early season (through April): on the road at 5:30 PMor earlier

Prime season (May through August): on the road at 6:00 PM

Late season (September until 24 October): on the road at 5:30 PM or earlier

Bad weather (current or imminent): most likely cancels ride

Disclaimer: Ride at your own risk. GMBC provides guidance on safe group riding and sharing the road, but assumes no liability. It is your responsibility to know and adhere to Vermont laws.

GMBC is volunteer-based and sometimes volunteers cannot make the ride. This may lead to groups not being formed and the lack of regrouping points on the ride. We encourage you to talk before the ride, form groups, talk about safety and have a great ride!

Start: Wheeler Dirt Lot on Swift St, South Burlington (see map)

Park: Usually in the lot unless another event moves us closer to Cairn’s Arena